Major major achievement!

Because I am Bora bound next week, I am conditioning myself through and through for my trip a.k.a. hitting the gym everyday to get myself as Bora-body ready as I can be in less than two weeks after the Holy Week break. Good luck naman diba? Nonetheless, I am trying my hardest to shed the pounds and most importantly, the inches.

Yesterday while working out at the gym, I got two comments from the trainers (on separate occasions while the other was elsewhere): Trainer 1: Pumapayat ka. Anong ginagawa mo? *insert mega watt smile here* While Trainer 1 was away, Trainer 2 approaches me: Trainer 2: Uy mukhang pumapayat ka ah! *insert mega mega watt smile number 2 here*

And with that, I left the gym feeling lighter than ever. I've gotten this comment before from the people at the gym but for some weird reason, yesterday's comments felt better? I've only really lost 6 pounds in two months but it feels good to have dropped some weight and go down a dress size, even without the full on effort of doing the whole diet circuit. But despite the oh so gracious comments of the two trainers, I've still got a hella long way to go.

On the downside though, today, despite my body aching for some gym action, all my work out clothes are still in the laundry. Although I'm super BV and totally wasting time sitting on my ass in front of my laptop, maybe this is the universe telling me to give my body a break. Oh well, there's always tomorrow and there's always the Ab Rocket just sitting in the room waiting to be used.

So while I bask in self-praise (a tad bit narcissistic of myself really), here's a good vibes song to break all the BV that seems to be piling up so early in the morning. Thank gawd I have tonight at Fiamma to look forward to with my cousins ♥

Frankmusik - Do It In The AM feat. Far East Movement by Interscope Records

xx,
Ri.

P.S.
For those who know me, you'll understand why feel good vibes equals FM :)

Miley Cyrus

It's the climb, baby ;)

Halfway there! Just when I thought the view couldn't get any better than this...

My moment at the Rockies was absolutely pure bliss

Dirty as hell, but I was a happy climber :)

You could tell from our facial expressions how we felt being up there LOL

First and last group shot before heading back down

DEFINITELY heading back for round 2!

My first ever climb that left me feeling breathless...literally and figuratively HAHA. Thanks to my random and quasi spontaneous adventure to Mt. Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas, I now have another thing to scratch off my bucket list. 

"To the edge of the Earth it's a brave new world, it's a brave new world, it's a brave new world."
- This Is War, 30 Seconds To Mars

xx,

Ri.

Almost halfway down! (That was confusing LOL)

P.S.

Thanks to my sister and the WYA Philippines kids for taking me along! :)

Geek alert

From some random person's Tumblr that got me feeling ridiculously sad. A Harry Potter loyalist from the beginning and a fan through and through, it's hard to say goodbye to something you grew up with especially since I already feel my childhood dying just thinking about the last movie coming out in a couple of months :(

Emma glanced over at Daniel and Rupert, her eyes blurry. The last Harry Potter scene she would ever film. “Okay, ready guys? And Action!” David Yates, the director called out. She closed her eyes and once again, let herself get lost in the world of Harry Potter… “And cut!” The cameras stopped rolling. The scene froze. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two. Officially complete.” The producer called out, his voice thick. Emma sat down on the Hogwarts castle set. She looked up, a weak smile on her face. Daniel was standing in his spot, frozen and Rupert was in a daze, looking around blankly. The cast and crew broke into a loud applause. “Good job guys” they called out. Emma got up, her knees wobbling, and ran as fast as her legs would allow her and landed on Daniel. She hugged him hard, her tears moving freely now. Rupert walked awkwardly towards them, and Emma wrapped one of her arms around him, making it a trio hug. They stood like that for a moment. Emma remembered the first scene they had filmed together. “You’re doing a spell? Well, lets see then?” Daniel was second to crack. He cried with her, his grip tightening on both of them. Then Rupert. “Rupe- you’re crying!” Emma smiled, still sobbing harder than ever. Rupert Grint, the calm one. Was crying. Emma reached out and wiped their tears. “It’s not the end. Not really!”

xx,

Ri.

It's like sunlight dripping

It's back to the daily grind, but for me...it's time to hit MT. MACULOT! Let me share the good vibes with y'all with this sunny summer-y track from Bag Raiders that I absolutely cannot get enough of! ♥

xx,

Ri.

P.S.

Strangely enough, I really want to make a video for this track. Or maybe I just miss working with a camera and editing videos? Who knows? Stay tuned for more updates from me :p

Happyness

After about three days of no work, I've have been reacquainted yet again to the wonderful light feeling of being on break. Currently, I am still reeling from amazement as to how just a couple of days away from interviews, press releases, and basically an office environment has made me less moody, less bitchy, and most importantly-less puyat. It sure as hell feels so good!

Too bad it's back to the daily grind next week. Thankfully for me, the routine starts again on Tuesday thanks to an extended vacay in Batangas! I love it. Let me just put it this way: ito nalang ang bayad ko for making salo someone else's job, and not getting paid for it. Bato bato sa langit. So I'm seizing every opportunity to extend the happiness. I mean, only a fool wouldn't, right?

But past all the good vibes I've been feeling all weekend, I know it will eventually fade away (SADNESS), especially since it's going to be another busy and sleepless week for us at the office again, what with turnover deadline hovering so closely above us. So in anticipation of the hell week that is about to come, I will be keeping my not-so-holy week playlist on loop just to try to keep me sane and calm well into the rest of the month. After all, May will hopefully be the month I will be able to decide how my life's course will play out for the next year or two. Scary.

But whatever drama may be surrounding my life right now, at least I've got this break to look back on. I'd just like to believe that we all just have to keep fighting!

xx,

Ri.

I fell asleep beneath the flowers

From Lupe's Food & Liquor album released back in 2006. SARAP LANG.

xx,
Ri.

Eargasmic perfection

"She likes you and you know it know it, so don't be scared to show it show it. She really wants to kiss you kiss you. The feeling's all clear, so don't be shy with fear."

- Psychic Powers

Psychic Powers - Dreamboat (RAC Remix) by psychic powers

I know it's Maundy Thursday but there's always time to stop and listen to the music. I recently stumbled upon this gorgeous track from the duo Psychic Powers and I instantly FELL IN LOVE with it. This track, remixed by RAC is just that perfect song to keep you company as you coast through the empty streets of Manille this Holy Week ♥ 

xx,

Ri.

P.S.

Special thanks to my cousin Pauline Suarez, whose Facebook wall introduced me to this awesome goodness. GV!

Happy 22nd Metro!

Joyeux Anniversaire METRO MAGAZINE! You turn 22 this month!

Grab your copy TODAY for some good reading over the Holy Week :)

My favorite cover to date since working with the mag, this issue, featuring the stunning Iza Calzado on the cover, is jam packed with a lot of great articles and photographs for all of you to indulge yourselves in during this break.

Also, we were also super lucky to have had the chance to feature the late teen actor AJ Perez in our Next Big Thing story. Although his career was tragically cut short, we'd like to instead see this feature as a tribute to what the young star has achieved in his short life.

This is a great issue guys! Don't forget to grab yourselves a copy! After all, how often do you get to turn 22? :p KUDOS TO THE METRO TEAM! :) ♥

xx,

Ri.

We're just having fun, we don't care who sees

Possibly the most spontaneous thing I have done in a while, purchasing round trip tickets to well, God knows where feels f*cking awesome.

After the truly untimely death of teen actor AJ Perez (rest in peace, sir), you never really know when it's your time to go. But despite the disparity in the situations mentioned above, I feel that this weekend's lessons and underlying theme is all about taking opportunities as they come. Striking whilst the iron is hot, or carpe diem (seizing the day), simply put.

For almost an hour, I had been going back and forth trying to figure out whether it was worth purchasing the tickets mostly because I felt like I could get a better deal on a seat sale, then I realized: "Ria, when have you EVER been able to purchase tickets during a seat sale?" So I decided to take it. Plus thanks to the persistence of Miggi babes, I felt a lot more kampante with the purchase. I thought I'd feel hella guilty, but it felt ridiculously fulfilling.

And so here I am, sitting in front of my laptop and contemplating where I should fly off to. This feels like the PERFECT opportunity to fly solo too!

So cheers to spontaneity, adventures, and to making the most of this life!

xx,

Ri.

Aeroplane

Because Lupe wrote the song, and because Lupe does it better.

xx,
Ri.

Sexy

"Is that alright? Is that okay? Girl no need to be nervous. 'Cause I got you all night."

- Bruno Mars

 

Bruno Mars - Our First Time by DiGGiDeX

xx,
Ri.

DeVEGANized

Time for some devir...err, deveganizing action!

A trip down to Malingap Street about three months ago made me realize that going vegan may not be such a bland thing after all! Although I LOVE my meat and my dairy (fatness) infused ice cream (*drool*), I think that a healthy trip down to PIPINO will be good for anyone who wants to go a day without the crazy junk food we all love to indulge in.

Found right on top of its predecessor Pino

Lovely food. Lovely place. Definitely deserves a trip back!

Here's what we had:

The eggplant, tofu, miso and gata  thing that I had...comes with rice!

The super delectable VEGAN LASAGNA-also their best seller for 120 bucks!

The BEST coconut ice cream evahhh!! The cookie...eh, not so :))

Here's a photo of their menu, to get your tummies grumbling and to satisfy your curious (and equally hungry) minds:

I'd like to try EVERYTHING on their menu one of these days

I CANNOT wait to go back! Thanks to Bettina Z. Bernabe for taking me on this vegan trip and for taking all the photos! Love love! ♥

Dine with me? :)

xx,

Ri.

Somebody to love

FUCK.YEAH.

xx,
Ri.

Up up here we go

FAR EAST MOVEMENT ♥ Way before people knew this song, it had already been on loop on my iPod and played more than 50 times. Yes, I am boasting because I am a big fan and not some loser poser HAHA! I may have looked (and sounded) like an idiot singing along to all their songs but I sure as hell did not care. Almost a month ago, probably the most fun I've had at Republiq (LOL).

xx,
Ri.

P.S.
Sorry for the crappy ass video quality c/o my crappy ass low standard cellphone.

P.P.S.
Proh on the keyboards on this song! Gawd I love you.

On a lighter note...sana lahat ng problema solve ng McDo fries!

Oh when life was innocent and uncomplicated. Mahal ko na sila ♥

xx,
Ri.

Changing tides

As a fresh graduate, I have been taught to just 'roll with the punches' as the veteran players say. And at seven months into the game, I have figured out (more or less) how the game is played, how to keep from losing, and how to maintain the pretty (of course).

But despite the months and the relative comfort I find in my current job, that existential pursuit of happiness never seems to leave my side. Yesterday, I got a call from one of the TOP corporate companies in the Philippines. And I'm not kidding when I say, top. So obviously I agreed to be interviewed because seriously, only a fool would turn down this opportunity (think salary, COMPENSATION, benefits, etc. etc.) As if that wasn't cool enough, literally two minutes after I had confirmed with company 1, company 2 calls...this time a broadcast network. I was hesitant to confirm with this one considering I had already turned down a job with them to take my post as a Staff Writer. But I said yes anyway, who knows, they could be offering something new? Best keep all doors and windows open right?

For love or money?

Through a fresh graduate's eyes, they would probably think the world of me-what with two major companies knocking on my door (and note, I didn't even submit my resume or follow up whatsoever). But things start to change when you're actually in my shoes-having gotten the job you've dreamed of since High School. Deciding to leave it is painful mos def. I know I haven't held my post for so long but I feel like I've grown so much and I've actually learned to enjoy my job despite the lack of benefits and sweldo.

Corporate white collar puppetry will be the DEATH of me

When I think of leaving, I think of the monetary value. But at the same time, the question of whether or not I will be happy is always there. I love where I am because I don't work the 9-5, and I'm not one of those corporate slaves who do the same thing day in and day out for the rest of their lives. At the same time, I can't live on *insertxamountofmoneyhere* a month. Plus, a lot of people would literally kill for my job and I keep thinking: "What if I want to go back? Will I still get the job?"

It may not look like much, but this is happiness right here.

Maybe I should learn how to pray again. Thinking too much makes me eat and that's not really good for my figure (LOL). At the same time, I should probably embrace change and take it as a sign of growth? DAMN. WWJD??

xx,

Ri.

Donald Trump better watch his back

As long as your going to be thinking anyway, think big. - Donald Trump

Looking back at the last four months of 2011 in retrospect, I realized just how much I've grown. Personally, I have made decisions that back in 2010, I would never have dreamed of making such as: keeping my post as a Staff Writer, hitting the gym at least five times a week and paying for it, and lastly, starting my own business.

For those who know me, business is most definitely not my strong point...hell, why do you think I took up Communications in the first place? Nonetheless, I took a risk. To my dismay, not even a month in and I'm feeling the repercussions of getting into the business, starting off with the fact that I constantly feel IMPOVERISHED thanks to the capital I had to put out. Second, I constantly feel like I've made a mistake what with my business moving as slow as hell. Third, I feel like I won't ever succeed because I seem to not have time to concentrate and really work on the business because of my regular job, which isn't even the usual nine to six, which makes scheduling meetings and training even more difficult. Basically, it would suck to be in my thinking shoes right now.

But today I decided to try something new. I decided to attend a success seminar (believe it or not), mostly because I wanted to make pakisama with the other people on the team, and so they can see that I still really want to be a part of the business. 

I am admittedly an elitist, and being in a room with 300 or so people in crazy themed outfits with party horns made me feel totally uncomfortable. Like I was better than all of them there. Stories of people becoming successful after a month or two, didn't interest me. Despite the fact that they can now build their mothers a multi-million peso home in Makati, I didn't seem to care much. Until the last speaker got up on stage.

He was honest, and I respected him for that. He shared that it had taken him two years before he became an executive and four or six years to reach his position right now. It could've been his charisma, but I felt for him. Like his story was actually more realistic, and made me feel that I could actually make it in this business.

At the end of the day, while pondering on the day's events over my bowl of tuna ceasar salad, it FINALLY hit me. In order for me to get to where I want to be with my business, I've got to want it more than any designer bag on my 'Must Purchase' list. I guess my mentor really wasn't kidding when he said that the business is 99% attitude and 1% aptitude.

With that realization buried deep in my subconscious now, I'm even more excited to see where exactly my business will go, and if I will finally find happiness in the decisions that I have made or will make.

xx,

Ri.

Baby, it's cold outside

Its fun, its cute, and most of all its kilig  to the max! Kurt and Blaine, major jowalevel please ♥

xx,
Ri.

Fatness First at Banchetter

Not even six rounds of circuit training could have stopped me from heading to Banchetto that night. After a multitude of endless attempts to visit the midnight food market, I finally made it. At least that's one less thing off my To Do List for 2011.

Having just had a cheese waffle and pesto pasta the entire day, I was hungry. Not necessarily famished, I guess it was my 'inner fat girl' that was telling me that I could still fit in a couple chicken wings, a burger and some dessert into my stomach...so yes, I was excited.

Arriving at Ortigas that night was like a study in contradictions. For more than a month, Ortigas has been my quasi-healthy respite what with my gym being located there. But that night, I forgot about counting calories and how much my gym membership cost because I was there for one thing, and one thing only-to indulge myself in ways I have not been able to do in a while.

Much to my dismay, Banchetto wasn't all that. As a matter of fact, I kinda got bored with their selection of mostly street food, lutong bahay cooked in an endless number of ways and what I'd like to call naglalakihang burgers. Thankfully, my saving grace came in the form of squid balls, which I had been craving the entire day.

And so the food-scapade begins. After my squid ball appetizer came a Monster Burger. NOTHING GREAT HERE FOLKS. Although I must admit, for its price (85 for a quarter pounder and 140 for a half pounder) it really wasn't all that bad. But that was the only thing going for it I think. The star of the night though came in the form of a superb light white chocolate cheese cake. For all the 100 pesos it was worth, I didn't regret spending a single peso on the cake. I just wish I had more of it!

All in all, the Banchetto experience was a 3 out of 5. Mercato still wins the weekend food market showdown in my opinion. Now, it's time to amend for my [eating] sins! Have an awesome Sunday! :)

xx,

Ri.

P.S.
I totally spaced on taking photos and taking note of the dessert kiosk I bought my cheesecake from [FAIL!] So I will just update you on that when I get a hold of it :p

Bookish

Only about a week or so ago I found out that Francine Pascal's Sweet Valley High was going to hit the shelves again, except this time set ten years after. Sweet Valley Confidential lets us in on where the Wakefield twins are ten years after. As much as I would like to say that I'm a fan of the series, I admittedly have not read enough of the SV franchise. save for the SV Kids versions, I really don't know a lot about the twins-hell, right now I'm on Google searching for their names (shame)!

Maybe if a book like Nancy Drew and the Mystery of the Year 2011 (sorry for the horrible title) came out, I would be more interested in picking it up. I mean really, who didn't love Nancy Drew more than Sweet Valley? Haha! But nonetheless, I think the effort from the author (Pascal) was great. It definitely brings you back to a simpler time and it makes you feel as if you've grown up along with the twins-which is probably why I feel it would make an interesting read.

But despite my lack of knowledge on the twins, I must say that if I were given the chance to read this book, I would most definitely drop my current read for this. Hmmm...I feel a trip down to the bookstore coming soon!

Who's excited? I know I am!

xx,

Ri.

Kick Starting April

First off, let me start by saying: HAPPY APRIL FOOLS to all!

With a new month comes a whole new slate-a.k.a. a chance to start over. Whether starting over applies to your love life, a work sheet, or even a diet, welcoming a new month is like breathing in fresh air; it sort of revitalizes you.

So what's in it this month for me? Well for starters, I'm welcoming my 8th month of being an employed twenty something, as well as celebrating my second month of membership at the gym (LOL). But in more relevant news, the new month comes with a new blog.

Over the past couple of months I have debated as to whether or not it was necessary for me to put up a blog considering I've got my trusty old Moleskin (wannabe) diary to keep me company. I've debated, debated, and debated some more, and unfortunately I still have no answer. Maybe it's the fad or the idea of being able to spit out my thoughts and put pictures beside it? Who knows? But for whatever reason it is, God knows I'm bound to post something more substantial up in here in the coming days (months, and years?).

It's 4:29 AM and I think its high time I call it a night.

xx,
Ri.